visits4u itineraries :

Modern Art and Culture Route ,

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Sigulda, Latvia: Modern Art and Culture Route

Description of the town

Sigulda is located on a picturesque stretch of the primeval river valley. Because of the reddish Devonian sandstone, which forms steep rocks and caves on both banks of the river, Sigulda has been called the "Switzerland of ".

Sigulda was founded in 1207, when the German crusaders were dividing up their spoils, Gauja was chosen as the boundary in this area between the territories of the Knights of the Sword, who took the land south of the river, and of the archbishop of Riga, who took the north side. Both built prominent , as much to guard against each other, one suspects, as against any local uprising.

Located just 53 kilometers from Riga with almost 12,000 inhabitants, Sigulda is one of the most visited cities in Latvia apart from Riga.

Picture of a park in Sigulda where the symbol of the city – colored cane – is displayed

Sigulda’s territory covers 18.2 square kilometers, but as its relief is not very flat and places of interest are far apart from each other, it is recommended to rent a car for discovering the city.

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The map below shows the city of Sigulda.

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Sigulda Modern Art and Culture Route:

One day route

Luge track (1) – Sigulda ruins (2) – Cable car (3) – Gutman’s cave (4) – Castle (5)

The map above indicates how long it takes to go from one place to another. Please note that it is the average time, for each person the walking speed and pace are different If you start to from Sigulda train/bus station, the distances between places are:

• Siguldas train/bus station to Luge track - 850 meters • Luge track to ruins – 2.5 kilometers • Sigulda castle ruins to Cable car – 1.1 kilometers • Cable car to Gutman’s cave – 1.8 kilometers • Gutman’s cave to – 1 kilometer (steep hill up )

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General access information

If you choose to walk, the route/pavement is very different from one place to other, there are places where there is even no pavement at all. As distances from each places is quite far, the route can change a lot and be adapted to your requirements or preferences. There are good pavements where you can walk without problems or obstacles and pavements where the surface is not good and without dropped kerbs. Therefore we suggest to use car or taxi if you have walking difficulties or you use a wheelchair, especially when if you want s needed to travel long distance from one place to other. Also the route can be quite steep in some places, because Sigulda is located on a hilly place. Most pavements are without tactile which might present challenges for visually impaired persons

You can easily reach Sigulda from Riga by train or bus. As the train cars are accessed only by steps it is possible to pre-book a special assistance service. You have to request it 48 hours before your travel calling to +37180001181 on weekdays 8am-5pm.

If you want to go by bus from Riga’s international coach terminal and you need help to get on the bus, it is necessary to requeset assistance at latest 36 hours in advance. Assistance can be ordered via telephone +371 67226658 or online, by means of filling in an electronic application form and sending it to this email: [email protected] For further information go to the company’s website: www.autoosta.lv)

If you wish to rent a car the only international car rental company that provides also cars who are adapted for manual control is SIXT.

Getting around Sigulda is tricky. City buses are not very frequent and they are not accessible for wheelchair users. We recommend to rent a car.

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1. Sigulda Luge and Bobsleigh Track

Located on 13 Šveices Street 13, LV-2150, Sigulda, Phone: +371 67973813, +371 29185351, e-mail: [email protected]

You can get there from the train station in 15 minutes.

Access information

Available at http://www.bobtrase.lv

There is no simplified information on the webpage, and the information for people with disabilities is not highlighted. It is possible to arrange a ride on the bobsleigh track by calling in advance. The surface is stable, but assistance might be needed, since the facility has many stairs leading to the service.

There are no marked parking places for people with disabilities, but it is possible to conveniently park your car when there are no ongoing competitions. You must note there might be restroom issues, since they are not adjusted for people with disabilities. There are no induction loops, as well as no benches for resting.

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2. Sigulda Castle ruins Located on 18 Pils Street, Sigulda, telephone +371 67970263

Constructed in 1207 as a “castellum” type fortress, it was later reconstructed as a convent type of building. Since 2012 it is possible to climb up the North tower and the Main Gate tower, walk along the castle walls and enjoy the medieval aura. Opening hours May - September: Mon – Sun , 9am - 8pm / October: Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm, Sat – Sun , 9am – 7pm / November –April, Mon – Sun, 9am – 5pm Prices Adults - 2.00 EUR; Students and seniors - 1.00 EUR; Families (2 adults + 2 and more children younger than 15) - 5.00 EUR The journey from Sigulda Luge and Bobsleigh Track takes 26 minutes. Access information There are no marked parking spaces for people with disabilities; however, there is a sufficient number of regular parking spaces right next to the area. There is a good and solid surface from the parking lot to the /area that is also convenient for wheelchairs. The ticket center is right next to the /area in which there are restrooms suitable for people with disabilities. There is a tactile map at the ticket centre, which can conveniently be used by people with visual impairments. There is no specific information in Braille or large print. There are guidelines at the area for visually impaired people. The North tower at the area is renovated and can easily be accessed with the help of an elevator. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 6 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union

3. Cable Car Located on the intersection of Pils Street and Jāņa Poruka Street Phone +371 2802 0088 Webpage: http://cablecar.lv

Sigulda Cable Car offers a ride over the valley of Gauja, uncovering wonderful scenery for several kilometers that includes the Sigulda Castle and Turaida Castle, Krimulda Manor, as well as the Bobsleigh and Luge Track.

Distance from Sigulda Castle ruins – 14 minutes.

Prices: Adults, one way 7 EUR; both ways 12 EUR. Children, one way 5 EUR; both ways 8 EUR. Discounted price policy for people with disabilities and their companions.

Access information

There are no marked parking places for people with disabilities at the area. The cararea is wheelchair accessible. There are no induction loops. There is no tactile map or other informational establishments for people with visual impairments. There are no adjusted restrooms for people with disabilities next to the Cable car station/area.

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4. Gutman’s Cave

Gutman’s Cave is a cave on the right bank of the in Sigulda. Volume wise it is the biggest cave in the Baltics, and the most visited nature monument in Latvia, which has been popular among travelers since at least the beginning of the 17th century.

The Sigulda county Tourism information center “Gūtmaņala” is located nearby. Working hours: 05/01 – 09/30 from 9 am – 7 pm; 10/01 – 04/30 from 9 am – 6 pm. Parking prices: 1 car – EUR 2.50; 1 minivan – EUR 5.00; 1 bus – EUR 7.00.

Access information

There is an adjusted restroom available at the centre. There is a convenient and stable surface from the parking lot to Gutman’s Cave. A chair lift is available to help overcome obstacles. You must consult the staff at the information center about the chair lift.

You should note there is sand surface at the area; this might be particularly dangerous when it is raining. There are no rest benches at the area, and there is no information available in Braille or in simplified language, or in large print.

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5. Turaida Castle Located on 10 Turaida Street, Sigulda, Sigulda city Phone: +371 67 971 402 Webpage: www.turaida-muzejs.lv

The Turaida Castle is one of the oldest accessible medieval castles in Latvia. It is located on the right bank of Gauja, in the territory of Sigulda, Turaida. It was constructed in 1214 as the castle of the bishop of RIga to replace the burnt down wooden castle of the Liiv ruler Kaupo. Distance from : 14 minutes. However, steep climbing needs to be taken into account and assistance is needed. The working hours are every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Flexible price policy for people with disabilities. Access information

There are parking places next to the area, but they are not marked. By talking to the ticket office staff, it is possible for people with disabilities to park their car right in front of the entrance. There are several exhibition halls at the area, but most of them cannot be accessed in a wheelchair. There are adjusted restrooms for people with disabilities. It is possible to rent a wheelchair if needed. You can ask for a map with the recommended routes of the area at the ticket office. There are comfortable rest benches on site. There is no special assistive equipment for people with visual and hearing impairments. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 9 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains visits4u is co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union

Where to stay

1. Hotel Sigulda

Located on 6 Pils Street, Sigulda, Phone: +371 67972263 mobile: +371 26165530 Webpage: www.hotelsigulda.lv

The location of the hotel is ideally suitable for exploring Latvia’s enchanting countryside. “Hotel Sigulda” is located at the very centre of the city where all the popular points of interest are within arm’s reach – Sidulda Livonian Castle or Bobsleigh and Luge Track are within walking distance.

The restaurant offers extensive vegetarian cuisine.

Access information

There is no special equipment for people with visual or hearing impairments. Both the first and second floor is accessible. There are no adjusted rooms.

There is a spacious parking lot; however there are no marked parking places for people with disabilities. There is no information available in Braille or in easy read language.

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2. Segevold hotel

Located on Mālpils street 4b, Sigulda Phone: +371 67974848 Webpage: www.goodstayhotels.com

The hotel “Segevold” can be reached within a 15 minute drive from the historical center of Sigulda where you can explore some of the most beautiful places in Latvia, such as Turaida Medieval Castle, Gutman’s Cave and Gauja Valley.

Access information

There are comfortable, thought-out and ergonomic rooms at the hotel that are adjusted for people with disabilities. The rooms are located on the second floor that can easily be accessible with the elevator. There are wider doors and special bathroom equipment in these rooms.

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3. Ezeri SPA

Phone: +371 28646044 Webpage: www.hotelezeri.lv

Access information

There are no rooms adjusted for people with disabilities, as well as there are no technical solutions for people with visual and hearing impairments. The hotel is fully accessible on the first floor, but you must note there are no adjusted restrooms. A good vegetarian cuisine is available.

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Where to eat 1. Gadalaiki Phone: +371 28646044

Access information

The restaurant is located close to Sigulda in the territory of “Hotel Ezeri SPA”. There is a convenient driveway and a parking lot, but no marked parking places for people with disabilities. Extensive menu is provided with a separate section for vegetarians. Children friendly. There are no adjusted restrooms for people with disabilities at the restaurant. There is no assistive equipment available for people with visual and hearing impairments.

2. Čili pica

Strēlnieku Street 2, Sigulda, Sigulda city, Phone: +371 67 973 955

A classic pizzeria that provides both pizza and classic European meals.

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Access information

The pizzeria is located at the shopping center “Šokolāde”. There are several marked parking spaces for people with disabilities next to the shopping center. Adjusted restrooms for people with disabilities are available at the shopping center. There is no Braille menu or menu in enlarged print. There are no technical solutions for people with visual and hearing impairments.

3. Hesburger

Vidzemes šoseja 4, Sigulda, Sigulda city, Phone +371 67 895 055

Access information

There are accessible parking place for people with disabilities. There are no technical solutions for people with visual and hearing impairments. There is accessible toilet.

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Further information on tourism accessibility in Sigulda

Apeirons

A disabled-led organisation of people with disabilities and their friends. Their primary aim is to raise awareness on universal design in the built environment and services. They are actively supporting arts and cultural organisations and business on what they can do to improve their inclusive practices.

www.apeirons.lv

Mapeirons

A mobile application and website. It gives information on about more than 1,500 places and venue/areas in Latvia that are freely accessible to anyone.

http://mapeirons.lv/en

Accessible tourism tour operator

http://www.accessiblelatvia.lv

Travel directory

http://www.latvia.travel/en/article/people-disabilities

Holiday and travel directory

http://www.latvia.travel/en/tourism-center/sigulda-tourism- information-centre

Sigulda tourism information

http://tourism.sigulda.lv/

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About visits4u

visits4u is an 18 month project that focuses on developing and deliver inclusive tourism training and capacity building to improve user experience and sustain inclusive design in tourism. www.visits4u.eu Partners Centre for Accessible Environments, UK (coordinator) www.cae.org.uk

Asklipiades South Aegean Regional Social Protection and Solidarity Network, Greece www.pwdservices.gr/en

Dimos Rodou (Municipality of Rhodes), Greece www.rhodes.gr

Domspain Consulting LTD, Spain www.domspain.eu

Nikanor LTD, Bulgaria www.nikanor.bg

Istituto dei Sordi di Torino, Italy www.istitutosorditorino.org

Nodibinajums Invalidu un Vinu Draugu Apvieniba Apeirons, Latvia www.apeirons.lv

About this document This document has been produced as part of the visits4u project. The information on accessibility for each place and the itinerary has been based won access assessment and inspection visits by the partners involved. Although every effort has been taken to provide accurate information for visitors, it is widely recognised that access can vary over time due to changes to the building, the mode of operation or last minute circumstances. For this reason, anyone with specific access needs is advised if possible to contact with the venues, hotels and local tourism authorities prior to their visit to verify that circumstances have not changed. www.visits4u.eu Project No: 699484 | Call: COS – TOUR – 2015 – 3 – 04 – 1 Page 16 The content of this document represents the views of the author only and is his/her sole responsibility; it cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission and/or the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission and the Agency do not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains